Devotion - Monday, November 19

Jesus gives instructions about giving a banquet in Luke 14.  He instructs us to "invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind...."  He tells us to include on our guest list those who could never return the favor of inviting us to a lavish feast.

We gathered our family this past Saturday for a "Thanksgiving" gathering.  There will be a smaller event this week, but we will gather once more.  Perhaps you are also making plans for a gathering in the days to come.  Who will be invited?

Part of giving thanks is to become aware of our abundance.  Part of looking to God is acknowledging how graciously God has looked upon us.

In a world where we are too often pulled in many directions and seldom have meaningful time with family, Thanksgiving events provide such a break - and perhaps need to be held and treasured as family gatherings.  Certainly this is true for parents eager to welcome you back after being gone for many weeks.

But hear the instructions of Luke 14 and consider the guest lists of  your life.  Where is there room for the poor, the blind, the lame, the forgotten?  You don't have to go searching for them - there are many such persons in your apartment complex, in your classrooms, and in your daily path.